Apparatus and Method for Collecting and Isolating Cells

ABSTRACT

A cell collection apparatus for collecting and isolating a sample having a sample collection section with a reservoir barrel, a fitting slidably movable within the reservoir barrel, and a proximal attachment, the proximal attachment located on the distal side of the fitting; a detachable section having a plunger, the plunger detachably connected to the proximal attachment by a distal attachment; and whereby after detachment of the detachable section, the sample collection section is centrifuged to separate the sample into its components.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present United States Utility Patent Application claims priority toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/726,981, filed Oct. 6, 2017, andtitled “An Apparatus & Method for Isolating Cells.”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The technical field of this disclosure relates to the collection andisolation of cells collected from a patient.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Collection and isolation of a person's own cells and the reintroductionof the isolated cells can have beneficial therapeutic results. Forexample, platelet-rich-plasma (PRP), stem cells and fat can be collectedfrom a patient, isolated and then returned to the patient's own body toprovide beneficial therapeutic results.

In order to obtain samples of stem cells or PRP, a sample of whole bloodis collected from the patient. Similarly, to obtain fat for use in thepatient, a fat grafting procedure transfers fat from areas where thepatient has excess fat, such as the outer thigh, abdomen, or buttocksand injects it into areas that may be lacking volume, i.e. volumedeficient areas.

Typical difficulties with these types of processes include cellnecrosis. Thus, it is important to have processes that both collect andisolate the desired cells and also mitigates that risk that the cellsthat have been isolated die or are damaged, i.e. cell necrosis.

As disclosed and taught in the following materials, a variety of methodsand apparatus/systems may be used in the isolation of stem cells,platelets and fat cells.

BACKGROUND

Other methods of isolating the patient's cells may also providetherapeutic benefit.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,398,972, “Method of Producing Platelet RichPlasma and/or Platelet Concentration,” issued to Blasetti et al., onJun. 4, 2002, discloses platelet rich plasma and/or platelet concentrateprepared by placing whole blood in a first chamber of a sterileprocessing disposable having two chambers. The processing disposable issubjected to a first centrifugation to separate red blood cells, and theresulting platelet rich plasma super-natant is decanted to the secondchamber. The processing disposable is subjected to a secondcentrifugation to concentrate platelets. A volume of platelet poorplasma supernatant in the second chamber is removed, and the plateletsare re-suspended in the remaining plasma. The second chamber may containanticoagulant to preclude aggregation of the platelets.

As another example, International Application published under the PatentCooperation Treaty under International Publication No. WO2005105121A1 onNov. 10, 2005, by Meury et al., discloses the use of the content ofplatelets or platelet rich plasma (PRP) obtained by disruption of theirmembranes for the preparation of an agent for the treatment of bone,cartilage or skin.

Another example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2007/0280959,published on Dec. 6, 2007, by Meury et al., discloses a new use for thecontents of platelets or platelet rich plasma (PRP) obtained bydisruption of their membranes for the preparation of an agent for thetreatment of bone, cartilage or skin.

Another example, European Patent Office Publication EP2628484A1,published on Aug. 21, 2013, by Agut Sanchez, et al., discloses apharmaceutical composition for oral administration comprisingplatelet-rich plasma and uses thereof. The invention also relates toorally administered cosmetic compositions and nutritional compositionscomprising platelet-rich plasma.

Yet another example, U.S. Patent Application Publication 2015/0044179A1,by Masanori Saeki, discloses a cell preparation useful for treatment ofdiseases in bone joints and repairing muscles which have beendegenerated or damaged. And, also discloses a cell preparation fortreatment of diseases in bone joints which comprises a fat cell, and acell preparation for repairing muscles which comprises a fat cell and amesodermal stem cell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A cell collection apparatus for collecting and isolating a sample havinga sample collection section with a reservoir barrel, a fitting slidablymovable within the reservoir barrel, and a proximal attachment, theproximal attachment located on the distal side of the fitting; adetachable section having a plunger, the plunger detachably connected tothe proximal attachment by a distal attachment; and whereby afterdetachment of the detachable section, the sample collection section iscentrifuged to separate the sample into its components.

These and other embodiments will be more fully appreciated from thedescription below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a patient having cell sample(s) collected.

FIG. 1B illustrates a perspective view of a conventional centrifugecentrifuging a sample that has been collected using a conventionalsyringe, the sample is illustrated on the left as being transferred intoa conventional test tube and then placed in the centrifuge or the samplecould be retained in the syringe and placed in the centrifuge.

FIG. 2A illustrates a plan view of a cell collection apparatus.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional plan view of the cell collectionapparatus.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional plan detailed view of the cellcollection apparatus seen in FIG. 2B.

FIG. 2D illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of the cell collectionapparatus seen after the detachable section is detached from the samplecollection section of the cell collection apparatus

FIG. 3A illustrates a plan cross-sectional view the cell collectionapparatus after a cell sample has been collected within the samplecollection section.

FIG. 3B illustrates a plan cross-sectional view the post-samplecollection cell collection apparatus with the detachable sectiondetached from the sample collection section after a cell sample has beencollected.

FIG. 4A illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of a retaining cup.

FIG. 4B illustrates a top view of the retaining cup.

FIG. 4C illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of the sample collectionsection of the cell collection apparatus positioned for centrifugingemploying the retaining cup.

FIG. 4D illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of the sample collectionsection of the cell collection apparatus after the cell collectionapparatus containing a cell sample has been centrifuged employing theretaining cup.

FIG. 5A illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of a generic sample ofbody fluids before centrifuging.

FIG. 5B illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of the centrifugedsample and also illustrates that the sample has divided into componentshaving different densities.

FIG. 5C illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of a first samplecomponent urged into a container

FIG. 5D illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of a second samplecomponent urged into a container.

FIG. 5E illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of a third samplecomponent urged into a container.

FIG. 5F illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of an alternativeembodiment of employing an intermediate section to ensure that thecomponents of the sample are appropriately separated.

FIG. 6 illustrates a plan cross-sectional view of a transfer supportapparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings and specification.

FIG. 1A illustrates a patient P having her cells collected using a cellcollection apparatus 10 from various different portions of her body. Asillustrated in FIG. 1A, cell collection apparatus 10 could be used tocollect cells by drawing whole blood from patient P's veins. Typically,a needle is used for venipuncture. Similarly, cell collection apparatus10 could also be used to collect a tissue sample of patient P's fatcells. Typically, a cannula is used for fat collection. As illustratedin FIG. 1A, fat cells could be collected from patient P's abdomen orothers areas of the body with sufficient fatty deposits. Patient P'stissue sample could then be centrifuged thereby isolating different celltypes. As an example, a whole blood sample could be collected from apatient. The whole blood sample could then be centrifuged therebyseparating the whole blood sample into its component parts; such asplasma and platelets. Similarly, human fat tissue can be collected andcentrifuge to isolate different cells types, such as stem cells andother cells. As discussed above, it can be beneficial for a patient tohave a tissue sample collected from her body, certain desirable cellsisolated, and the desirable cells re-introduced into the patient's body.For example, it is believed that stem cells isolated from a patient canbe re-injected back into a patient to speed healing or provide otherhealth advantages. As an example, the re-injection of a patient's ownfatty cells into the patient's cheeks can improve a patient's appearanceand provide a more youthful appearance. A variety of health and cosmeticbenefits can be achieved by re-injecting a patient's own cells. However,in order to improve these results, it is desirable to isolate the cellsthat are beneficial. Phrased differently, certain cells may havebeneficial effects when re-injected and encourage repair andregeneration of the patient's body. As an example, re-injection of apatient's stem cells is believed to improve healing of the patient'sinjured joints.

FIG. 1B illustrates a view of a conventional centrifuge centrifuging asample that has been collected using a conventional syringe, in theexample seen on the left of the centrifuge; the sample is illustrated asbeing transferred into a conventional test tube for centrifuging.Alternatively, as seen on the right side of the centrifuge, the samplecould be retained in the syringe. FIG. 1B illustrates that if the sampleis retained in the syringe during centrifuging, the syringe is placedsuch that the needle-end of the syringe is placed downwardly into thecentrifuge. This is undesirable because the conventional syringe is moreprone to leaking when faced downwardly.

FIG. 2A illustrates cell collection apparatus 10. Cell collectionapparatus 10 comprises sample collection section 20 and detachablesection 40.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional plan view of the cell collectionapparatus 10. Sample collection section 20 comprises fitting 22,reservoir barrel 24, proximal attachment 25, nipple 26, and reservoir28. Fitting 22 is slidably disposed within reservoir barrel 24.Detachable section 40 comprises a plunger 44, a distal attachment 45,and a handle 48. In a preferred embodiment, sample collection section 20further comprises clips 27.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cross-sectional plan detailed view of the cellcollection apparatus 10 seen in FIG. 2B. FIG. 2C further illustratesthat clips 27 are preferably formed of resilient plastic and biasoutwardly such that clips 27 holds sample collection section 20 andovercomes the negative pressure that occurs when fluid is drawn intoreservoir 28. In this way, clips 27 temporarily immobilize fitting 22and temporarily “lock” it into place. Preferably, clips 27 aresufficiently pliable that a user can gently urge clips 27 inwardlythereby permitting fitting 22 to move, i.e. “unlock,” and urge fluid outof reservoir 28 through nipple 26. Preferably, proximal attachment 25 isthreaded and distal attachment 45 has a corresponding thread thereonsuch that distal attachment 25 and proximal attachment 45 are detachablyand threadedly connected. However, other means of detachably connectingsample collection section 20 to detachable section 40 may be employed.For example, section 20 and section 40 could be detachably connected bymeans of a pressure fitting such that proximal connection 25 issufficiently malleable and slightly narrower than distal attachment 45such that the two are detachably connected. Other non-limiting examplesof structure to detachably connect section 20 and section 40 are amale-female connector, a reverse male-female connector, snaps, clips, ormagnetically detachably connecting sections 20 and section 40.

FIG. 2D illustrates a cross-sectional plan view of the cell collectionapparatus 10 seen in FIG. 2B after the detachable section 40 is detachedfrom the sample collection section 20 of the cell collection apparatus10. FIG. 2D further illustrates that sample collection section 20 couldcontain virtually all types of bodily fluids. For example, section 20could contain blood, fat and other samples of body fluids.

FIG. 3A illustrates the cell collection apparatus 10 containing a sampleS of the patient P's cells.

FIG. 3B illustrates the cell collection apparatus 10 with detachablesection 40 detached from sample collection section 20. As discussedabove, sample collection section 20 contains sample S of patient P'scells. Examples of cell samples are blood, blood products, fat, fattissue, fat tissue products, and, other cells, and cell products.

FIG. 4A illustrates the sample collection section 20 of cell collectionapparatus 10 positioned in a retainer 50 of a centrifuge R. Retainer 50comprises cup 52, support 54, and stabilizers 56. As illustrated in FIG.4A, the sample collection section 20 of cell collection apparatus 10 ispreferably slidably positioned on support 54 and stabilizers 56 arepositioned to minimize relative movement of sample collection section 20during centrifuging by centrifuge R. However, any structure that holdssample collection section 20 and allows centrifuging of sample S isappropriate. For example, a concave or convex shape disposed at thebottom of cup 52 could replace support 54. For example, the bottomsurface of sample collection section 20 could concavely shaped to fitwithin a protrusion in the bottom of cup 52 or the bottom surface ofsample collection section 20 could be convex and the bottom of cup 52could be concave. Preferably, cap 80 is also used to reduce escape ofsample S.

FIG. 4B illustrates stabilizers 56 supporting sample collection section20. Stabilizers 56 minimize motion of sample collection section 20relative to retainer 50 during centrifuging.

Preferably, centrifuge R rotates sample collection section 20 about afixed axis. As section 20 spins, centrifugal acceleration causes densersubstances to move outward in a radial direction. As such, when section20 is centrifuged, the denser particles of sample S settle to the bottomof the section 20, while the lower density components of sample S riseto the top of sample S.

FIG. 4C illustrates the sample collection section 20 of the cellcollection apparatus 10 positioned for centrifuging sample S. In analternative preferred embodiment, cap 80 could be used to seal section20. The use of cap 80 is particularly preferred because cap 80 reducessample S's exposure to air and potential infection causing contaminates.In addition, cap 80 also prevents escape of sample S from samplecollection section 20.

FIG. 4D illustrates sample collection section 20 after centrifuging of asample S having two components of different densities. As illustrated inFIG. 4D, sample S has separated into its components A and B, bycentrifuging. FIG. 4D also illustrates the use of cap 80.

Of course, any sample having components that have different densitiescould be centrifuged in order to separate sample S into its components.A generic example of this process is illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5Freflecting a generic sample S that has components with three differentdensities that are, after centrifuging, separated into components A, B,and C. A generic example of how sample S could be separated into threeseparate components A, B, and C is discussed below. A sample havingcomponents of different densities can have its components separatedusing a centrifuge. The examples given are exemplary and are not limitedto a sample with two or three components. Phrased differently, a samplehaving more than three components, or less than three components, couldbe separated into its components employing cell collection apparatus 10.

As an example, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, any sample S can be separated,assuming its components have different densities, into the sample'scomponent parts. FIG. 5B illustrates a generic sample S that has beencentrifuged and separated into component A, component B, and componentC. Sample collection section 20 is detached from detachable section 40before centrifuging.

FIG. 5C illustrates sample S after centrifuging has separated sample Sinto component A, component B, and component C within sample collectionsection 20 and after sample collection section 20 has been reattached todetachable section 40. As illustrated in FIG. 5C, plunger 44 has urgedcomponent A into container 70.

FIGS. 5C and 5D illustrate that plunger 44 can be depressed to urgecomponent A of sample S into a storage container 70. By way of exampleonly, component A could be urged into storage container 70. Similarly,plunger 44 could be further depressed to urge component B into storagecontainer 70′.

FIG. 5E illustrates that plunger 44 can be still further depressed tourge component C into storage container 70″. Thus, components A, B, andC, have been isolated into separate containers. In other words, FIG. 5Eillustrates component A stored within storage container 70 and componentB stored within storage container 70′ and component C stored withinstorage container 70″. This process could be used to isolate each of thecomponents of sample S into its own storage container and is not limitedto a sample having three components.

FIG. 5F illustrates an alternative embodiment of cell collectionapparatus 10 further comprising intermediate action 60. As illustratedin FIG. 5F, component B of sample S is within sample collection section20. Intermediate section 60 has been placed in fluid connection withsample collection section 20 and storage container 70. Preferably,intermediate section 60 would be clear to allow a user to ensure thatstorage container 70 contained substantially only sample A and thatcomponent B had not been inadvertently urged into sample container 70.Component A could be re-injected into patient P or stored in storagecontainer 70. Similarly, a fresh intermediate section 60 could be usedto ensure that components B and C are not inadvertently mixed duringtransfer to their respective storage container.

FIG. 6 illustrates a sample S that has been centrifuged and separatedinto component A and component B. FIG. 6 illustrates that aftercentrifuging, component A and component B are contained within samplecollection section 20. FIG. 6 also illustrates that transfer supportapparatus 90 comprises base 92, support 94 and uprights 96. Transfersupport apparatus 90 permits a user to support sample collection section20 and more precisely urge the components out of cell collection section20. For example, after sample S that has been centrifuged and separatedinto component A and component B, FIG. 6 illustrates that component Aand component B are contained within sample collection section 20. Whensample collection section 20 is held by support 94, a user may moreprecisely dispense component A into sample container 70. This issuperior to manually holding the cell collection apparatus 10 and urgingthe components into a storage container 70 because sample collectionsection 20 is held steady by transfer support apparatus 90. In addition,it is preferable to minimize movement of sample collection section 20during transfer of components to storage containers because reducing oreliminating movement of section 20 reduces or eliminates potentialremixing of the components of the sample.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and description, the same is to be considered as anillustration and is not limited to the exact embodiments shown anddescribed. All equivalents, changes and modifications that come withinthe spirit of the invention are also protected by the claims that areset forth below.

What I claimed is:
 1. A cell collection apparatus for collecting andisolating a sample, comprising: a sample collection section, comprising:a reservoir barrel a fitting slidably movable within the reservoirbarrel; a proximal attachment, the proximal attachment located on thedistal side of the fitting; a detachable section comprising: a plunger,the plunger detachably connected to the proximal attachment by a distalattachment; whereby after detachment of the detachable section, thesample collection section is centrifuged to separate the sample into itscomponents.
 2. The cell collection apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a clip, the clip positioned at the proximal end of theplunger and selectively positioned to temporarily hold the plunger andfitting to overcome the negative pressure that occurs when the sample isdrawn into the reservoir barrel.
 3. The cell collection apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the proximal attachment and the distal attachment arethreaded, thereby detachably and threadedly connecting the fitting andthe plunger.
 4. The cell collection apparatus of claim 1, wherein theproximal attachment and the distal attachment are a pressure fitting. 5.The cell collection apparatus of claim 1, wherein the proximalattachment and the distal attachment are a magnetically attachment. 6.The cell collection apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a nipplesuitable to attach a cannula for collecting the sample from the patient.7. The cell collection apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: anipple suitable to attach a needle for collecting a sample usingvenipuncture.
 8. The cell collection apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a centrifuge, whereby the centrifuge can separate the sampleinto its components by centrifuging the sample collection section. 9.The cell collection apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a samplecontainer, the sample container storing one component of the sample. 10.A sample collection section retainer, comprising: a cup; and, astabilizer, the cup and the stabilizer supporting the sample collectionsection and reducing relative movement of the sample collection sectionduring centrifuging.
 11. The sample collection section retainer of claim10, further comprising: a centrifuge for centrifuging the samplecontained by the sample collection section.
 12. A method of separating asample into its separate components, comprising: collecting a sample ina sample collection section of a cell collection apparatus, the cellcollection apparatus having the sample collection section and adetachable section; detaching the detachable section from the samplecollection section; placing the sample collection section into acentrifuge such that the proximal end of the sample collection sectionis above the distal end of the sample collection section; and,centrifuging the sample until the sample separates into its components.13. The method of separating a sample into its components using a cellcollection apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: storing eachcomponent of the sample in a separate container.
 14. The method ofseparating a sample into its components using a cell collectionapparatus of claim 12, further comprising: threadedly detachablyconnecting the sample collection section and the detachable section. 15.The method of separating a sample into its components using a cellcollection apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: detachablyconnecting the sample collection section and the detachable section witha pressure fitting.
 16. The method of separating a sample into itscomponents using a cell collection apparatus of claim 12, furthercomprising: magnetically detachably connecting the sample collectionsection and the detachable section.
 17. The method of separating asample into its components using a cell collection apparatus of claim12, further comprising: detachably connecting the sample collectionsection and the detachable section with a male-female connector.
 18. Themethod of separating a sample into its components using a cellcollection apparatus of claim 12, further comprising: detachablyconnecting the sample collection section and the detachable section witha reverse male-female connector.
 19. The method of separating a sampleinto its components using a cell collection apparatus of claim 12,further comprising: detachably connecting the sample collection sectionand the detachable section with a snap fitting.
 20. The method ofseparating a sample into its components using a cell collectionapparatus of claim 12, further comprising: separately storing each ofthe components of the sample in a plurality of containers.